Step-by-Step Plan for Making a Sound Maze for Your Studio

In order to supply and discharge air in a sound studio, you need two things: a ventilation unit, such as the Aeropac, that supplies air and a sound maze for the removal of air. On this tips page we explain you how to make a sound maze by yourself that can be applied in your sound studio. You can read all about supplying air through (a) ventilation unit(s) on our tips page "Comparing Ventilation Units".

Why a sound maze?
In order to optimally ventilate, a so-called 'sucking' effect is required. This indicates that about the same amount of air has to be supplied as is being discharged. For this to happen as quietly as possible, and with as little sound leaks as possible, you need a sound maze. A sound maze can be applied to the supply or exhaust of air, depending on the situation.

What is sound maze and how does it function?
In short: a sound maze filters the sound from the incoming or outgoing air. A sound maze is a box, often rectangular in shape, with an entrance and an exit. Inside, this 'box' is equipped with a labyrinth of baffles which are provided with absorption material. Because the airflow is fed around the baffles, it travels a long way along absorption material which absorbs the sound. The longer the suspension and the bigger the number of baffles, the better the end result. And like with many acoustic applications, mass is an important aspect as well. We recommend using sheet material that is as heavy as possible when making a sound maze. Merfoplex for example, or plywood that contains a layer of Isomat, or MDF. Heavy sheet material prevents the sound maze from resonating.

What do I need?
To make a sound maze (see sketch) you need a construction plate such as Merfoplex or a thick MDF plate. With this plate you make the walls and the partitions of the sound maze. Furthermore, you need an absorption material, we recommend using Akotherm D40 or Merfocell Bubble foam. The difference between the two materials: Bubble foam is self-adhesive and easy to cut to size. Akotherm is more fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, contains higher absorption values and has a longer service life. As for the assembly of Akotherm, you use Stauf mounting sealant.

Do you have a sound studio or other rooms where a lot of noise is produced? First, equip the sound maze on the inside with Isomat TS14. The high mass of the Isomat ensures that the insulation value of the sound maze becomes optimal. Then apply one of the aforementioned absorption materials to the Isomat. You do not have to equip the baffles with Isomat, but with absorption material. For a beautiful finishing of the holes through which the air is supplied or removed, you can use a ventilation grid. Pay attention to the cross-section of the various grid dimensions!

Points of attention
When you need to make a hole through a cavity wall, you should apply a conduit. Cavity walls are regularly home to vermin and stale air. If you want to use the sound maze outside, use a waterproof sheet material for the construction and seal the seams and cracks from the inside and from the outside (you can use Sikaflex). Supply and discharge channels leading outside should not be completely verticle (viewed from the inside of your space) to prevent rain from pentrating.

Questions? 
Do you have any questions about this topic? Please feel free to contact us.